EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – T.J. Watt, already considered one of the league’s most impactful defensive players, lived up to his Hall of Fame expectations Monday night, helping the Pittsburgh Steelers fend off the New York Giants in a hard-fought 26-18 victory.
Watt’s strip-sack of Giants quarterback Daniel Jones in the final minutes—and a game-sealing interception moments later—secured Pittsburgh’s win in a game that showcased offensive struggles, tactical miscues, and missed opportunities for the Giants.
The Giants’ frustration was evident from the locker room atmosphere following the game. Jones used the word “frustrated” multiple times during his brief postgame conference, and team leaders like Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns expressed similar sentiments.
The loss dropped the Giants to a predictable 2-6 record, their third straight defeat, and highlighted the ongoing issues with both the offensive and defensive units.
“We’ve got to play harder,” said Lawrence, who voiced his displeasure after a near-touchdown by George Pickens was overturned.
“We let a touchdown happen; we want to prevent those in the red area.” Coach Brian Daboll echoed the team’s frustrations, emphasizing the need to improve execution and maintain discipline, especially in high-pressure moments.
Daboll, in his third season and first as the Giants’ play-caller, has been unable to elevate the offense, which averages a meager 16.7 points per game, the second-lowest in the NFL.
No defensive player has meant more to his team this season than Watt. With the Steelers clinging to an eight-point lead late in the fourth quarter, Watt came through once again.
As the Giants closed in on Steelers territory with hopes of a game-tying score, Watt beat tackle Jermaine Eluemunor one-on-one, sacking Jones and forcing a fumble that the Steelers recovered.
It was a game-defining moment that illustrated both Watt’s skill and the Giants’ recurring pass-protection issues.
Watt’s strip sack was only the latest in a season of clutch plays, underscoring why he’s widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in the league. With one NFL Defensive Player of the Year award already under his belt, Watt’s 6.5 sacks this season make him a strong candidate for another.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin praised Watt postgame, emphasizing his ability to make pivotal plays when it matters most. “T.J. shows up every time we need him. That’s just who he is,” said Tomlin.
The game’s first half was a grind, as both offenses struggled to establish any rhythm. The Steelers eventually broke the 9-9 halftime tie with a spark from special teams.
Early in the third quarter, Steelers’ receiver Calvin Austin III fielded a punt outside the right hash mark and, after cutting back across the field, took it down the left sideline for a 73-yard touchdown. The score energized the Steelers and gave them a 16-9 lead in a game that had felt sluggish until that point.
Austin struck again in the fourth quarter, this time with a 29-yard touchdown reception. This play extended Pittsburgh’s lead to 23-9 and appeared to put the game out of reach for the Giants, whose offense had only managed three field goals through the first three quarters.
Despite the 14-point deficit, the Giants found some late life on offense. Running back Tyrone Tracy provided the team’s first touchdown in weeks with a 45-yard burst, cutting the Steelers’ lead to 23-15.
But the Giants followed up this rare moment of excitement with a bungled two-point conversion attempt, lining up their linemen wide and allowing Pittsburgh to easily break up a quick pass intended for receiver Malik Nabers.
This failed conversion attempt was emblematic of the Giants’ season, a promising drive ended with a baffling, poorly executed play. Daboll didn’t hold back in his postgame comments, pointing out that the Giants need to be sharper and more consistent to overcome the strategic missteps that have plagued them all season.
With 4:34 left, linebacker Bobby Okereke recovered a fumble from Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson, giving the Giants a golden opportunity to tie the game.
However, the offensive line once again failed to protect Jones, leaving right tackle Eluemunor isolated against Watt. With the season’s importance underscored, Watt tore past Eluemunor to strip-sack Jones, ending the Giants’ drive and virtually any hope of a comeback.
The first half saw both teams struggle with penalties and missed opportunities. For the Giants, the highlights were touchdowns that didn’t count.
George Pickens’ early touchdown was called back on a face mask penalty against Broderick Jones, wiping out the Steelers’ opening score.
Later, Giants tight end Chris Manhertz appeared to catch a touchdown pass, but it was negated by an illegal shift from Malik Nabers.
Then, in the second quarter, Pickens caught what seemed like another touchdown, but the officials ruled it incomplete after a replay review determined he hadn’t gotten both feet down.
With both teams struggling to convert, the first half ended tied at 9-9, and the Giants’ offense was notably stagnant. Their fans, already bracing for another disappointing season, might have tuned out by halftime.
After Watt’s strip sack, the Giants’ defense came up with one last stop, giving Jones a final shot with 1:53 left. Starting from their own 7-yard line, Jones led the Giants downfield, only to throw an interception with 34 seconds remaining, effectively ending the game.
The pass, intended for running back Devin Singletary, sailed high and was picked off by Steelers rookie Beanie Bishop. Jones took accountability for the turnover, noting that the throw got away from him in a crucial moment.
The Steelers’ win pushed them to an impressive 6-2, solidifying their place atop the AFC North. Unlike other division leaders led by star quarterbacks, Pittsburgh’s success comes down to timely defensive plays and the impact of players like Watt and emerging special teams contributor Calvin Austin III. With Russell Wilson providing a steady presence at quarterback, Pittsburgh has found ways to win, even without lighting up the scoreboard.
Pittsburgh’s reliance on its defense and special teams has paid dividends, especially with Watt’s ability to make game-changing plays. “We’re winning because guys are stepping up when it counts,” Wilson said after the game. “We know what we can count on with this group.”
The loss leaves the Giants at a critical juncture. Daboll’s decision to call plays hasn’t yet translated into consistent offensive success, with the team scoring fewer than 20 points in six of their eight games.
Their 16.7 points per game places them near the bottom of the league, and the offensive line’s pass-protection issues have exacerbated these struggles, making it difficult for Jones and the offense to find any rhythm.
With a home game against the Washington Commanders next week, the Giants will need to regroup quickly. Daboll remains optimistic that with the right adjustments, the team can bounce back. “I think we’re close to putting it all together,” he said, though his tone conveyed the urgency that now hangs over this season.
For the Giants, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining if they can salvage their season. In the meantime, Monday night’s loss serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.
the Giants are left to pick up the pieces after yet another close, but disappointing, game. While the Steelers have shown they can win even when their offense struggles, the Giants must find a way to eliminate costly mistakes and finally translate Daboll’s strategy into consistent results on the field.